Epic Tanzanian Family Safari Adventure - photo story part 1

This is the first part of a photo story following a comprehensive safari in Tanzania in December 2020, undertaken by a family of five. If these fantastic pictures don't inspire you, and point out what we have all been missing, then I am not sure what will!

The Serengeti

Namiri Plains is in the eastern Serengeti and was formerly a research only zone, since reopening some years back it has proved to be one of the most productive regions of the park with only a handful of camps and fewer day visitors - the lion and cheetah viewing is possibly the best in Africa. You cannot drive off-road in the national park but with the open grassy plains and an elevated 4x4 game viewing vehicle this isnt a problem, also the lions love the rocky hills where there are roads.

The Ndutu region of the Serengeti is where the migrating herds slow down to have their young on the nutritious short-grass plains in January and February, perfect place for a balloon safari!

Magnificent acacia trees are a hallmark of the Serengeti environment.

From daylight to firelight.

Kilimanjaro Lager, Serengeti Lager or Safari lager - tough choice!

Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek are two drainage areas amongst the acacia forest in Ndutu

Marsh owl

Grant's gazelle

Serval cat

Impalas like the edge of the woodlands

Great place for a siesta!

Namiri Plains camp with Hartebeest in the foreground

Permanent water is one of the reasons why the eastern Serengeti is so productive

Rocky outcrops are safe havens for young lions where they rest up in the shade!

Cheetahs thrive on the open grasslands where there is much prey

Large prides of lion are common given the abundance of prey

A bathroom with a view!

The short grass of Ndutu is in contrast to the longer grasses of the eastern Serengeti below.

Magical sighting of hungry cheetah and her two cubs!

High up on the rocks offers views of the surrounding plains and where dinner might come from...

Tawny eagle coming down for scraps

Olakira camp has tents with an open portion where you can sleep under the stars while being protected from any bugs - if it rains you can retreat under the canvas.

Olakira's main area

Giraffe float across the plains...

To get a lion's view

Flamingos on the outskirts of Lake Ndutu

Dik-dik pair

The migrating herds spread out where there extra visibility.

But the hunters still thrive at night and thanks to the sheer numbers of prey

Herds and pathways

Dawn flight

herds gather at the marsh near Ndutu

Acacia forests surround Lake Ndutu and provide refuge in the heat of the day